Lyocell industry development and downstream application trends outlook
——Zhang Zixin, China Chemical Fibers Association
Firstly, an overview of the development of the lyocell industry was presented. In the context of continuous advancements in production processes and strict environmental regulations, lyocell is indeed more eco-friendly compared to viscose staple fiber, and its innovative base continues to grow. Currently, lyocell's global capacity is expanding rapidly, with the national capacity exceeding 500,000 tons in 2024, significantly surpassing the production of viscose filament. Moreover, domestic projects under construction are nearing 50% of the current capacity, indicating further potential expansion. In terms of demand, the domestic market is also rapidly growing to match the industry's development.
The report on the application trends of lyocell fibers was then interpreted. Conducted through thematic research visits, academic contributions, surveys, and data mining, the report primarily investigated the popular trends in the yarn spinning industry chain, aiming to provide guidance for businesses. As more yarn companies begin using lyocell, its fiber characteristics are better understood, and the branding concept of Tencel is becoming less pronounced. Fabrics continue to focus on spring and summer, with breakthroughs in autumn and winter products; while printing and dyeing theories are relatively mature, cooperation between industry, academia, and research still needs to be strengthened. The ideal approach is to find a suitable ratio to increase success rates and avoid issues with raw fiber; sportswear and casual wear dominate the apparel sector, aligning with the safety and comfort demands of children's clothing; in home textiles, the material itself becomes a selling point, with businesses already differentiating between lyocell and Tencel.
Lastly, the industry outlook was discussed. Despite numerous challenges in the lyocell industry, it is believed that China could lead the popular trends in the lyocell supply chain in the future. Internal efforts within the industry include diversifying raw material sources, enhancing product quality, developing sustainable brands, perfecting standard systems, and fostering cooperative development along the supply chain. The higher production cost of lyocell filament necessitates a higher price point, positioning it in relatively upscale niche markets across various sectors. The market's objective demand for high quality and high price dictates the urgency to industrialize and continuously improve product quality as a priority for developing this sector.